Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Your Next Meal

Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they are a delightful experience that transports your taste buds straight to the sun-kissed shores of Greece. With their golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy interior, these chicken tenders are a perfect blend of flavors that will leave you craving more. The use of traditional Greek herbs and spices, such as oregano and garlic, adds a unique twist that elevates this dish beyond your average chicken tender.

Historically, Greek cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a beloved choice for many. People adore crispy Greek chicken tenders not only for their irresistible taste and satisfying crunch but also for their convenience. They are easy to prepare, making them an ideal option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that promises to be a hit at your dinner table!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Cooking spray or additional olive oil for baking

Marinating the Chicken

To start, I like to marinate the chicken tenders to infuse them with flavor and keep them juicy. Here’s how I do it:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s well blended.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade. I usually use my hands to ensure every piece is covered.
3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, I recommend letting it sit for 4 hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Coating

While the chicken is marinating, I prepare the crispy coating. This is what gives the tenders that delightful crunch!

1. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. I like to mix them together with my hands to ensure they are evenly distributed.
2. For added flavor, you can sprinkle a little extra salt, pepper, and some dried herbs into the breadcrumb mixture if you like.

Prepping for Baking

Now that the chicken is marinated and the coating is ready, it’s time to get everything set up for baking.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for achieving that crispy texture without drying out the chicken.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil. This will help prevent the chicken from sticking and make cleanup easier.

Coating the Chicken

Now comes the fun part—coating the chicken tenders!

1. Take each marinated chicken tender out of the bowl or bag, allowing any excess marinade to drip off.
2. Dip the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. I like to turn it over a couple of times to make sure it’s fully coated.
3. Place the coated chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process for all the chicken tenders, making sure they are spaced out evenly on the sheet.

Baking the Chicken Tenders

With the chicken all coated, it’s time to bake them to crispy perfection!

1. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the chicken tenders for about 20-25 minutes. I usually flip them halfway through to ensure they get golden brown on both sides.
2. To check for doneness, I use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
3. If you want an extra crispy finish, you can broil the chicken tenders for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!

Serving the Chicken Tenders

Once the chicken tenders are out of the oven, it’s time to serve them up!

1. Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This helps them retain their juices.
2. While they’re resting, I like to prepare a dipping sauce. A simple tzatz

   Conclusion:

   In summary, these Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their dinner game with a burst of flavor and crunch. The combination of aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and the satisfying crunch of the coating makes these tenders not just a meal, but a delightful experience. Whether you serve them with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping, a fresh Greek salad, or even tucked into a warm pita with veggies, the possibilities are endless. Feel free to get creative with variations too! You can spice things up by adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or experimenting with different herbs like dill or oregano to suit your taste. These tenders are versatile enough to be enjoyed as a main dish, a party appetizer, or even as a fun addition to a lunchbox. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience! I’d love to hear how your Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders turn out and any unique twists you add. Cooking is all about experimenting and having fun, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Happy cooking! Print
   

   Crispy Greek Chicken Tenders: A Deliciously Easy Recipe for Your Next Meal

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   • Author: Dottie
   • Total Time: 85 minutes
   • Yield: 4 servings 1x

   Print Recipe

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   Description

   These crispy baked chicken tenders are marinated in a zesty Greek yogurt mixture and coated with a crunchy blend of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a juicy interior and a satisfying crunch, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. Perfect for dipping and serving as a delicious meal or snack.

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   Ingredients

   Scale 1x2x3x

   • 1 pound chicken tenders
   • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
   • 2 tablespoons olive oil
   • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
   • 3 cloves garlic, minced
   • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
   • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
   • 1 teaspoon paprika
   • Salt and pepper to taste
   • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
   • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • Cooking spray or additional olive oil for baking

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   Instructions

   1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
   2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Use your hands for even coverage.
   3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight for maximum flavor.
   4. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix with your hands for even distribution.
   5. Optionally, add extra salt, pepper, and dried herbs to the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
   6. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
   8. Remove each marinated chicken tender from the bowl or bag, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
   9. Dip the chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure adherence. Turn to coat fully.
   10. Place the coated chicken tender on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat for all tenders, spacing them evenly.
   11. Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
   12. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Alternatively, ensure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
   13. For extra crispiness, broil the chicken tenders for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
   14. Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet to retain juices.
   15. Prepare a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki, to serve alongside the chicken tenders.

   Notes

   • For a spicier kick, consider adding cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
   • These chicken tenders can be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.

   • Prep Time: 60 minutes
   • Cook Time: 25 minutes